Hessian bags — sizes, GSM and wholesale ordering
Hessian and burlap are the same cloth under two names — hessian in the UK and Commonwealth, burlap in North America. We weave it and we make bags from it at our mill in Khulna, Bangladesh, so you are buying from the factory rather than through a trading house. This page explains how hessian bags are specified and how to order them at wholesale.
Choosing a weight (GSM)
Hessian is specified by areal weight in g/m² — or, in the older trade convention, in ounces per running yard at a stated width. Our cloth runs 200–450 g/m²:
| Weight | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 200–250 g/m² | Light gift bags, wine bags, retail packaging, craft |
| 250–340 g/m² | General shoppers, promotional totes, event bags |
| 340–450 g/m² | Heavy-duty carrying, agricultural and log bags, planters |
Weight alone is not a complete specification. A mill also needs the width, the construction as porter × shots (trade examples run from about 9 × 8 per 10 cm open to 11 × 12 close) and the yarn count. If you only have a target weight and an application, tell us those and we will propose the rest — that is a normal way to start.
Bag types we make in hessian
- Shoppers and totes — open-top with rope, webbing or padded handles
- Wine and bottle bags — single and twin-bottle formats
- Gift and promotional bags — drawstring, gusseted and flat
- Planters and grow bags — for horticulture and garden retail
- Sacks — a different product built to trade standards; see jute sacks
Customisation
Size, gusset, handle type and drop, lining (unlined, cotton-lined or laminated) and closure are all made to your specification. Branding is by screen or block print, embroidery, woven labels and hang tags, and full private-label production is available. Dyed and printed goods use AZO-free, colourfast colourants.
Ordering and compliance
Minimum order is one 20ft container per product — roughly 10,000–12,000 shopper-sized bags, confirmed at quotation against your spec. Lead time is 4–6 weeks from artwork approval and goods ship FOB Chittagong with full export documentation. Our jute is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified; see certifications & compliance and the buyer FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hessian and burlap?
None — they are the same cloth. Hessian is the British and Commonwealth term, burlap the North American one. Both describe a plain-woven jute fabric, typically 200–450 g/m². If a supplier treats them as different products, they are not a mill.
What GSM should I choose for hessian bags?
For light retail and gift bags, 200–250 g/m² is usually enough. General-purpose shoppers and promotional bags sit around 250–340 g/m². For heavy carrying, agricultural use or anything holding weight, specify 340–450 g/m². Weight is only half the spec — always pair it with porter × shots and a yarn count.
Is a hessian bag the same as a jute sack?
No. A hessian bag is usually a handled shopper or gift bag made from hessian cloth. A jute sack is a heavier packing product built to trade standards such as B-Twill or Binola, sized by capacity in kilograms. We make both — see our jute sacks range for the packing product.
What is the minimum order for hessian bags?
One 20ft container per product, which is roughly 10,000–12,000 shopper-sized bags depending on dimensions and construction. Exact quantity is confirmed at quotation against your specification.
Are your hessian bags certified?
Yes — our jute is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified and we dye with AZO-free, colourfast colourants suitable for UK and EU import requirements. Compliance statements and third-party test reports are available on request.